CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Corporation has cancelled the contract of a private firm after it allegedly failed to disburse wages to park maintenance workers and is suspected of fabricating bank documents to fraudulently claim payments from the civic body.
Many of the workers affected belong to deprived communities and have migrated from interior villages in northern Tamil Nadu, including from the districts of Tiruvannamalai, Tindivanam, Vellore and Viluppuram, seeking a better livelihood and education for their children. They have not been paid for the past three months and are struggling to meet daily expenses.
DT Next visited My Ladies Park near Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Park Town, Sivan Park in KK Nagar, CIT Nagar Park on 3rd Main Road, Natesan Park in T Nagar and Anna Park in United India Colony, Kodambakkam, where workers said they were waiting for a new contractor and timely payment of wages.
“We are paid Rs 10,000 per month by the contractor. My husband and I maintain the park and keep it open all day. Many youngsters visit and litter, which increases the burden,” said a sweeper, who requested anonymity.
“With no salary for three months, we cannot run our family. We have asked the contractor several times to remove cut branches and weeds, but nothing has been done.”
Another worker said officials had assured them that pending wages for October and November would be cleared by January 10, and December wages in the first week of January.
“I have two children studying in Classes 12 and 10. Due to unpaid bills, the electricity connection was cut. We borrowed money to restore the supply. My daughter will appear for her board exams soon, and this situation has affected her,” the worker said, adding that Corporation officials had collected passbooks to process direct payments.
A worker who relocated his family three months ago for a promised salary of Rs 15,000 said he receives only Rs 12,000. “Ahead of Christmas, we received just Rs 2,000. We hope the next contractor credits salaries on time,” he said.
Residents have also raised concerns about deteriorating park conditions. A Loganathan, a resident of CIT Nagar, said overgrown weeds, unpruned trees and damaged infrastructure like rusted solar charging point posed safety risks. “Despite repeated complaints, no action has been taken,” he said.
A senior Corporation official said the contractor had allegedly submitted fake bank records showing salaries credited to workers’ accounts.
“The contract has been cancelled. A new contractor will be appointed soon. The Corporation will directly ensure payment of Rs 761 per day to each worker until then,” the official said.